Chariot FAQ for Part-Time Faculty and Staff

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Chariot?

Chariot is a vanpool service that aims to provide a fast, reliable, affordable, and comfortable commute service to riders. The company operates brand new 14-passenger “chariots”, running fixed routes throughout San Francisco, which now include stops at USF!

2. Why is USF partnering with Chariot?

The Hilltop-downtown shuttle has been a great success since its launch in January of 2015, and data has shown that there is a high demand for this type of commuter service. Unfortunately, the current shuttle model at USF has a number of limitations including a limited schedule, an inadequate reservation system, one driver, and one van.

Chariot offers solutions to many of these limitations with chariots traveling on routes every 10-15 minutes, a sophisticated app that riders can use to reserve and geo-track chariots in their vicinity, and plenty of chariots and drivers to keep operations smooth.

3. How much does it cost to ride?

As a part-time faculty or staff member at USF, you will be charged the standard rates. There are several different purchasing options, including an unlimited monthly pass, credits, and per-ride costs.

4. What time does Chariot run?

There are two designated Chariot routes that stop at USF. Click on the links below to view the full schedule for these routes, including all the stops along the way, which you are eligible to use:

Depending on the time and route (Richmond Racer or Geary Galloper), Chariot stops at the following convenient locations between downtown San Francisco and USF:

SF Caltrain station

Embarcadero BART station

Civic Center BART station

Transbay Terminal

USF: Lone Mountain

USF: Parker Ave. by St. Ignatius

USF: Golden Gate Avenue by War Memorial Gym

You are welcome to use other Chariot routes per their standard pricing.

6. Who is eligible to ride Chariot?

Anyone. Chariot is open to the public, and the USF stops are open to any Chariot rider.

7. How do I start?

iPhone or Android Users: download the free Chariot app onto your mobile device by visiting your app store. Alternatively, you may download the app to your mobile device. Once you download our App, create an account using a valid email and phone number. Upon signup, you will receive an email to verify your account. Be sure to click verify.

Other mobile device users: from your mobile device, open your browser. Create an account using a valid email address and phone number. Upon signup, you will receive an email to verify your account. Be sure to click verify. When you are ready to ride, open mobile device's browser and reserve a seat. Please contact Chariot for should you need any additional assistance as these FAQ are for app users.

8. What if I have a personal Chariot account?

No problem! You’re all set to use Chariot at the USF stops.

9. How do I reserve a spot on a Chariot? Is my spot guaranteed?

When you are ready to ride, reserve a seat through the Chariot app on your mobile device. Enter your starting location and destination, and the app will reserve your seat on the next available Chariot. Once a 14-seat Chariot is completely booked, it will be listed as “Full” when you are searching in the app.

10. Can I bring a friend on Chariot?

Yes. Because Chariot and the USF stops are open to the public, anyone can ride with you if they purchase a seat with their own Chariot account on their own mobile device.

11. How do I find my pick-up location?

When you check-in to a Chariot from the app, you are shown the address of the pickup stop in the available Chariots menu. You can also click on "View Stop" to see a picture of the location. Alternatively, you can view Chariot’s routes from your mobile device's browser to view all routes from a drop-down menu. You can select your route and scroll to the bottom of the map and all stops are listed with exact addresses and photos.

12. What do I do if I miss my Chariot or if the Chariot drives past me?

Simply cancel that Chariot and book the next available one. The app will use GPS tracking to verify that you did not board the missed Chariot, and you will not be charged for the missed ride.

13. How do I pay for my Chariot rides?

Just like other rideshare apps, you will enter a credit card in your account to pay for rides. All payment is taken care of through the app.

14. Can I use commuter benefits to pay for rides?

Yes, you can set aside pre-tax dollars through your Commuter Check Prepaid Mastercard* managed through your My Commuter Check (MYCC) account to pay for rides. You must estimate the pre-tax amount that you will use for Chariot rides when placing your Commuter Check Prepaid Mastercard order in addition to any other commuting service cost up to the monthly pre-tax IRS limit of $255. Any monies remaining on your Commuter Check Prepaid Mastercard will roll over to the next month and can be used for rides on Chariot or towards other eligible transit costs.

Clipper Cards, E-Cash, Muni passes, or any of the other transit passes are not accepted by Chariot. If you currently have a transit pass order with MYCC, please follow instructions in FAQ #15 on how to request a Commuter Check Prepaid Mastercard, which can be linked to your Chariot account in addition to using it to purchase transit passes.

You cannot pay for Chariot with your Clipper card or any other transit pass

15. If I do not have a Commuter Check Prepaid Mastercard, how do I request one?

If you do not have a Commuter Check Prepaid Mastercard and would like to request one, please log into your MYCC account or see FAQ #16 for instructions on how to create a new MYCC account. If you have an existing order on your Clipper Card, you will need to cancel that order first. Then, go to the main page of your MYCC account to request a Commuter Check Prepaid Mastercard. You will be prompted to elect the total amount of funds that you would like loaded onto your Commuter Check Prepaid Mastercard.

Afterward, you are able to use your Commuter Check Prepaid Mastercard to purchase your transit passes, including the costs for Chariot rides. Please note that MYCC will not allow you to place orders or load funds onto both your Clipper card and Commuter Check Prepaid Mastercard within the same month.

Please ensure that you make any changes to your MYCC account including requesting a Commuter Check Prepaid Mastercard by the 10th of the month at 9:00 p.m. PST in order for your change to be effective the 1st of the following month.

16. If I do not have a MYCC account, how do I set one up?

To create a MYCC account, input the USF Company ID, which is 109083. Alternatively, you may contact MYCC customer service at 1-800-531-2828 to sign up for a MYCC account over the phone.

17. Is Chariot ADA accessible?

It is Chariot’s policy to accommodate all passengers, including those who use wheelchairs. If you anticipate that you will need transport in a vehicle that includes a wheelchair lift or ramp, simply adjust your profile setting for “Accessible Service” in the Chariot IOS App to “Wheelchair Accessible Required.” Once you’ve made this adjustment to your profile settings, all of your requests for Chariot commuter service will be directed to an accessible vehicle.

Alternatively, you may contact the Chariot Customer Service Team at 1-888-735-5079 or select the “I want to speak with a Chariot Team Member” option available in the App’s Support menu to arrange accessible service.

18. How can I give feedback?

At the end of your ride, you can rate your experience and provide optional comments in the Chariot app. This goes directly to the Chariot team, who is happy to help optimize your route and experience.

19. How can I contact Chariot?

The easiest way to do so is via the Chariot app. Tap “Support” from the menu and scroll down to “I want to speak with a Chariot Team Member”. Alternative contact methods include:

Contact Chariot directly through one of the methods listed in FAQ #19. A customer service representative will locate the vehicle you were in and search for any lost items. Chariot also has a lost and found that the Drive Team can look through for missing items. Chariot will coordinate with you to return your items as quickly as possible. Please note: Chariot is not responsible for lost or stolen items on the vehicles.

*The Commuter Check Prepaid Mastercard may only be used for qualified commuter benefit purchases in accordance with IRS Tax Code 132(f). No cash or ATM access. This card may not be used everywhere Debit Mastercard is accepted. The Commuter Check Prepaid Mastercard is issued by The Bancorp Bank pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated. The Bancorp Bank; Member FDIC. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.